Democracy In America

America is comprised of individuals from many different cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and education levels. This diversity provides a platform for discussion, improvement and education. Much of America’s success is due to the democratic principles that provide opportunity to be engaged. Having similar principles in the K-12 education system could help engage students in classrooms and lead to educational advancement. According to The Glossary of Education Reform, as student engagement improves so does learning. When students are disengaged and not reaching their full potential it is often because they are bored, disconnected, or uninterested—often through no fault of their own. As Professor Hoffman says, “stimulation is not spontaneous”

The fundamental elements within this cooperative society are tolerance, participation, and equality. Tolerance and respect for unique backgrounds and beliefs is essential to ensure inclusion, participation, and the protection of individual rights. All members of a democratic society have the responsibility and the right to take part in governmental affairs and engage in political discourse, which further reinforces the definition of democracy commonly known as “by the people for the people.” Another intrinsic principle of democracy is managing conflict. With many people asserting competing requests, an element of discord is inevitable. However, it can often be beneficial. Conflict provokes dialogue that can lead to better understandings of situations, different interpretations of laws, and the development of new methods of problem solving. The civic nature of democracy requires all citizens to be informed participants and express their concerns regarding their rights. In order to constantly meet the obligation of providing fair chances for prosperity, the government’s approach and rulings are constantly changing. According to Rose, “democratic culture is, by definition, vibrant and dynamic” in order to adapt to changing needs and demands of the people (Rose 82). Additionally, all citizens of a democratic community are entitled to equal opportunities for success. The American

A successful democratic society relies incredibly on a successful public school system, because public schools teach students “how to navigate in a democratic society” (Hoffman). Without proper education, citizens are not able to fulfill the fundamentals of democracy--participation and accessibility by and for all citizens. On the other hand, when the standards of democracy are not applied to education, schools may become elitist and class centered by discounting the needs for different learning styles of students. In order for everyone to have an equal chance to participate in political affairs, they need an equal opportunity to gain a fundamental education. The decline of democratic principles in public education has excluded students from successful learning by creating a rigid establishment that provides an unequal advantage to the students that resonate with lessons based on the canon or have the ability to adapt his or her learning style to fit the teachers teaching style. Schools should adapt literature and teaching styles that resonate with various types of students based on social, educational, or economic backgrounds in order to better engage and teach them. To further improve education, dialogue in classrooms should be increased through debates on literature, current events, and politics. Administrative